A judge will conduct an independent review of the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act and other "hate crime" legislation, the Scottish Government has announced.

Lord Bracadale will conduct the review, which could last up to 12 months, to ensure the act and other legislation is fit for the 21st century.

The review will begin on January 30 and Lord Bracadale will present his recommendations to the Scottish Government.

The SNP is the only party in Holyrood that supports the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act.

Labour MSP James Kelly is currently pursuing a private members' bill which aims to repeal and replace the act.

Lord Bracadale's review will also examine the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995, Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 and the Offences (Aggravation by Prejudice) (Scotland) Act 2009.

Announcing the review in the Scottish Parliament, the minister for community safety and legal affairs Annabelle Ewing said: "Racism, intolerance and prejudice of all kinds are a constant threat to society and while Scotland is an open and inclusive nation we are not immune from that threat.

"While we already have robust and comprehensive laws in place, we need to make sure that legislation is up-to-date and able to counter all forms of hate crime.

"That is why I have commissioned an independent review to be chaired by Lord Bracadale.

"This review will help ensure we have the right legislative protection in place to tackle hate crime wherever and whenever it happens. I look forward to Lord Bracadale presenting his findings."

The review will look to find "gaps, anomalies and inconsistencies" in the current legislation as well as how the laws can be simplified.